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Registry

“Love is a gift. You can't buy it, you can't find it, someone has to give it to you.”
— Kurt Langner (author)

Register early.
Make sure you at least register for some smaller items before the bridal shower or groom roast. Most guests will be spending less for these pre-wedding events.

Make a list of what you need.
Most places will provide you with a list of recommended items. Depending on what you already have, this can either be very helpful or not so much.

Know store policies.
Be sure to ask each store what their return policy is, and if they offer any discounts on items from the registry that your guests did not buy (if they do, this deal may only last for a certain period of time after your wedding). Having these options allows you to return unwanted or duplicate gifts, as well as get the best deal on something you really wanted but didn’t get.

Score with certain brands
Before you register, find out which brands will give you a free gift just for putting a certain number/dollar amount of their merchandise on your registry.

Keep store options low.
Don’t register at too many places… 3-4 is plenty (you can even include places that have items for you like Amazon Wish List, Upon Our Starand Home Depot (must be created at a store). Having a big selection, of your desired items, in only a few locations makes it a lot easier for your guests to pick a gift. You may even want to do it all in one place with MyRegistry.com, or all in one gift card registry CardAvenue.

Make your access easy.
When setting up your registries, it’s easier to use one password you’ll both remember. This way you won’t have to wait for stores to dig it up each time, and it will also come in handy for online access to add and/or delete items.

Keep your guests in the loop.
Put links to your registries on your wedding website. This way guests can choose to make their purchase in-store or online.

Get money back.
Be sure to sign up for any store programs where you get a percentage back on any items your guests purchase from the registry. You could end up making enough money to get some additional things after your wedding.

Consider all your options.
If you don’t need a lot of things for your home, you may want to consider setting up a real estate registry with Hatch My House, or ahoneymoon registry. Having guests pay for parts of your first home or honeymoon can be the best kind of gift.

Think about being charitable.
You may want to use this gift giving opportunity to help the less fortunate. The I Do Foundation can give you the tools to do just that.